Back Bay Mission

First Graduate of Back Bay Mission’s Micah Day Center Apprenticeship Program Looks to Future with Hope

By Barb Powell | October 12, 2021

The first-ever graduate of Back Bay Mission’s Micah Day Center Apprenticeship Program recently completed her year-long commitment to develop the skills and tools necessary for gaining and retaining employment. Begun in 2019, the program serves individuals viewed by society as unemployable, stigmatized because of past circumstances, and/or overlooked by other potential employers, says the Rev.…

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In Countless Ways, CHHSM’s Presence Adds to Richness of General Synod Experience

By Barb Powell | July 19, 2021

The UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) played an important role throughout the denomination’s Thirty-Third General Synod, which closed Sunday evening, July 18. Sometimes prominent and sometimes behind the scenes, CHHSM’s presence and advocacy for health equity remained at the forefront of many Synod-related conversations — beginning with a Resolution of Witness…

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In Atypical Year, 2020 Annual Report Focuses on Ways CHHSM and Its Member Adapt and Serve with ‘Justice and Grace — Together’

By Barb Powell | June 25, 2021

The UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries announced June 24 the release of its 2020 Annual Report. The online report centers on the responses of CHHSM and its member ministries to the dual public health crises of the past year: COVID-19 and systemic racism. The report is focused on the theme, “Justice and…

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CHHSM’s Virtual Annual Gathering a Success, Thanks to Active Participation, a Seamless Online Platform, and Incredible Presentations

By Barb Powell | March 11, 2021

Inspirational, motivational, soul-feeding … and just plain fun. These are some of the words used by attendees to describe the recently concluded 83rd Annual Gathering of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, held virtually March 2-4, 2021. Attendance records were shattered at the three-day event: some 335 CHHSM members and friends registered…

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Alice Graham: Reflections on Service

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | January 27, 2021

(Reprinted with permission from the Winter issue of Changing Tides, the news magazine of Back Bay Mission.) By Alice Graham, Ph.D., Executive Director, Back Bay Mission Everything must changeNothing stays the sameEveryone must changeNothing stays the same(Lyrics from Everything Must Change by George Benson) As I write my final “Changing Tides” article, I am so…

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Pennington Named New Executive Director of Back Bay Mission

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | December 3, 2020

The Board of Directors of Back Bay Mission are pleased to announce that the Rev. James Pennington is the new executive director of Back Bay Mission. He begins his new duties in February 2021. With the retirement of the Rev. Alice Graham,  the Board of Directors began a nationwide search for her replacement.  Pennington, a Mississippian,…

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UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries Releases Statement on ‘Pandemic of Systemic Racism’

By Barb Powell | June 4, 2020

The Board and staff of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) recently released a statement calling systemic racism a pandemic and pledging an increased financial commitment, additional programming, and a larger focus on advocacy work to end systemic racism. The statement was issued at the end of the Board’s virtual Zoom…

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Back Bay Executive Director Graham to Retire in December

By Barb Powell | April 8, 2020

The Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Miss., has announced that the Rev. Alice Graham, Ph.D., executive director, is retiring. Her last day will be Dec. 31, 2020. Graham has been executive director of Back Bay since 2015. During her time at Back Bay, Graham has developed program initiatives that move clients from receiving emergency assistance…

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Dorhauer Visit to Back Bay Mission Emphasizes Continued Commitment to Its Ministries

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | October 3, 2018

During the last week in September, Back Bay Mission, a CHHSM member in Biloxi, Miss., welcomed a special guest: the Rev. John Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ. During his visit, Dorhauer held a lengthy meeting with staff — only two of whom are UCC members. He noted the commitment…

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For UCC Shelter Care Ministries, It’s All About Providing Hope

By Barb Powell | July 25, 2018

Making a difference: that’s a unifying theme among the many United Church of Christ shelter ministries operating in towns and communities across the United States. Some of the CHHSM members provide overnight facilities, some have day centers. Others provide various kinds of transitional housing. But they all fill vital needs for the people they serve.…

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